Driving winding roads to see the charming, historic towns scattered around the Tuscan hillsides, I followed an itinerary recommended by my friend. Although I could only spend a short wander in most towns, I enjoyed a longer look in lovely Siena. This post is a continuation as I drove to each romantic village and walked its ancient narrow streets in 2007.
The Duomo cathedral houses some astonishing artwork, etched and tiled into the floor. The illuminated manuscripts and painted frescos in the library blazed with color. While I was there, drummers came in waving colorful flags, marched to a prayer room, and chanted to the virgin ceremoniously.
I discovered little treasures in the angular, hidden piazzas of Siena: arches, wells, statues. Large green flags bearing a regal white duck waved from shuttered windows over the streets of Siena. It would be so exciting to see the famed Palio di Siena horse race through the ancient cobbled streets, although I might not want to brave the crowds.
I drove back into Roccastrada under a Tuscan rainbow, and when I reached my final destination for the day, it perfectly framed my friend’s villa, Hotel Sant Uberto.
More to come…
Tuscany: Day1, Day1 part 2, Day2, Day2 Siena, Day3
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Wonderful photos for a wonderful town!
Thanks a lot for sharing all of them ❤️
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My pleasure. Thanks for your kind words!
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You’re more than welcome 💙
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It looks incredible, the floors, the doors, the archways. Beautiful pictures Ruth. Maggie
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Thanks so much, Maggie. It’s an easy place for good photos!
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Hello Ruth. You’ve brought back good memories for me — I was in Siena for two or so days in 1977. What a beautiful old town. I’d be happy to go back there one day.
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Hi Neil. Glad to spark some good memories. It’s such a lovely city.
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… and I in 1982, my junior year in college. The street scene with the flags reminded me why Siena was one of my favorite memories from that year – so much character in those hillside towns.
I had to look it up, but the Basilica contains the mummified head and thumb of Saint Catherine (of Siena). You don’t forget those sorts of things when you’re a kid in college.
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They are fascinating and so picturesque. I didn’t go into the basilica… That’s kind of creepy. I looked up about the flags after I posted this . The animals represent the different neighborhoods. I must have been in the duck area!
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Siena is on my Italy wish-list and you’ve just reinforced its place there! The Duomo looks beautiful but my favourite photo is of the two small kids with their oversized flags – future Sbandieratori perhaps?! As for that rainbow, what perfect positioning!
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I’m surprised you haven’t been there yet. I love that photo with the kids also, who knows if they are in training early! The rainbow took my breath away.
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So many places in Italy to go! Even after nine (I think!) visits we still have plenty more on the list 😆
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I’m so happy to see these impressions of Sienna as this was a city we did not visit during our stay in Tuscany in 2011. So thanks for sharing Ruth and have a lovely weekend.
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Thanks so much, Rudi. I appreciate your comment.
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Despite its age, the town has a lot of vitality and freshness.
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Siena is a vibrant city and not just with tourists. It’s a university town.
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Fantastic captures of Siena. We visited last summer when they were setting up the horse race. We thought the same thing about how it would have been nice to see, but then again, it wouldn’t have been so fun to deal with all the crowds.
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Thank you! I imagine there was a lot of excitement leading up to it.
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So much to see! Must be a great adventure!
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That it was! So many like towns, each with its own charm.
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Absolutely loved Siena and so want to return. We were only talking about it yesterday – we’re in Provence at the moment and some of the villages are reminding me of Tuscany
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Provence is so lovely as well, charming French history.
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I love, love, love Siena! Thanks for bringing back so many happy memories. Mel
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My pleasure, Mel!
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Your photos make me want to go back to explore more, especially the ones of the layered houses. Also love the shot of the drummers.
Alison
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Thanks, Allison. I don’t usually take indoor shots at museums and such, but I couldn’t resist at the Duomo!
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Lovely photos. I remember our day trip to Siena from Florence fondly. I notice you have a picture of the boar head outside the little food shop. I don’t know if you remember, but I wrote a post about our trip there that centered on the charismatic owners of that VERY shop! Small world!
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Thanks so much. How interesting about the shop! Send me a link to that post.
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